How To Get A Job In Industry Without Industry Experience

[@OCDTraci]

How about those of us who only possess a Bachelor's degree? I am an art major who would like to get into PR/marketing. What is your recommendation for us?

[@nanotektor]

Hello Isaiah from Mexico's highlands. I am a chemist, and I think I made a mistake by doing Master and PhD degrees in Mexico. Did a couple of postdoc stays in Brazil and the US. Still, I knew about a colleague that, after two postdocs and the right timing (he also applied for the green card), got an IT job in the US - completely different from materials science. He's an electrical engineering with some previous experience at the mexican industry. From my part, I have no industry experience, and I am looking for an industry position in R&D and later Project Management in the field of rechargeable batteries, solar cells using conducting polymers and nanomaterials. So far, it is difficult to find such positions. I've applied to a few positions (about 30) in these fields in the US, France, Spain, Germany, England, Japan, a couple in Mexico (ok a third as an electron microscope technician), but no success. I'm 43 and it's getting more and more difficult, I depend on my parents! Feel like a burden and really frustrated. Impossible to find anything good here in Mexico, and it is not a country where I wish to spend the rest of my life. Wish I could go back in time when I was 19, then study Electrical Engineering. Everyone talks about "networking" which I find it almost useless if you haven't met the right person before hand. I've been for a couple of years jobless (2013, then 2019) Do you think that getting undergrad and grad school in the US or Europe would be an advantage? Should I keep applying online at company sites? I do not want to come back to academia. Japan is my dream (despite the hot summer), but I also think on Europe, the US and Canada. Thank you in advance!

[@CheekyScientist]

I've seen so many stories similar to yours! The job search can be extremely frustrating - but know that your PhD has so much value, and it is possible to for you to get well-paying, meaningful industry work. It's so important to target and streamline your job search strategy, professional profiles, and yes -- network! To help you reach your goal of an industry R&D position, I highly recommend joining the R&D Society, an advanced job search program -- you can find out more here: cheekyscientist.com/rds-learn-more/ and in tomorrow's free webinar at 1pm EST: cheekyscientist.com/rds-academic-vs-industry-research-webinar/ Hope to see you there!

[@costia321]

Hi thank you, would going to an MSL seminar help land a job?

[@CheekyScientist]

Sure! Are you looking for a job as a MSL? If you go to the seminar, make sure to networking with industry professionals in that area. Does this make sense?

[@hirosiquatico5166]

Sir, i want to clarify that im pursuing undergraduate in pharmaceuticals science but im interested in mba. I not prefer myself suitable to go in research so sir, is doing mba is good. If good then which mba i should select general mba or mba in pharmaceuticals to get job in pharmaceutical industry.

[@viewtuber56jones74]

As someone with a PhD, I'm sorry to say, but this video is not helpful. Obviously, those of us with PhDs will continue to apply for these positions and try to do well if asked back for an interview. From my perspective the person was asking what to do about being turned down from entry level jobs because people are assuming they are overqualified. Based on my experience, I have not been asked in for an interview in those situations. Thus, telling someone to do great if they are asked back for an interview is unrelated advice. Also, I'm more curious about how to market my experiences when asked "What is your experience in industry?"

[@CheekyScientist]

Hello - You should start with our free ebook on transferable skills if you need to know how to market your experience in industry (cheekyscientist.com/20-transferable-skills-ebook/). If you do not do this, it will be extremely difficult to find a suitable industry position. Additionally, as the video states, networking is the KEY part of this equation. You should be focusing your time on networking with industry professionals in your area of interest, which can generate job referrals. This is the fastest way to find positions, especially when making the transition from academia to industry.

[@viewtuber56jones74]

Thank you!

[@shilpanarang5395]

I am sorry if am annoying u asking so many questions.. but I want to ask that how much tym does it take in industries for some proposals to get approved. My proposal is under process in two of the industries (one of them written by me) and were through reference of r n d chief in one and general manager in other. I also follow up number of times but they say its under process. but its nearly 8-10 months now. can I b hopeful about them??

[@erikrosas910]

I Want to work at an electric company called Eaton well this be the same ? I'm having a test about industrial experience to see if i have any but idk what it about??

[@CheekyScientist]

Hi Erik - even if you don't have industry experience, apply for the position. Remember, job descriptions are a wishlist. Show the company that you have business acumen and that your PhD has taught you the transferable and technical skills needed for the job. If you impress them, it doesn't matter how much experience you have.

[@shilpanarang5395]

i did my PhD in June 2016. Since then I am looking for an opportunity. Do industries take into account all the CV they receive through email on their website or submitted through job boards...or they simply go unnoticed.

[@shilpanarang5395]

presently I have joined in academia on temporary basis...will it hinder me to enter in industry?

[@CheekyScientist]

Hi Shilpa - I would NOT apply for jobs blindly through a website or job boards. Your CV will go through an automated computer system and will more than likely be discarded as thousands of applicants will be applying for the same role. The key for you is to start networking. Build a network of industry professionals where you can then gain referrals for industry roles. Do you have an updated LinkedIn profile? That is the best place to start. Build credibility by having a solid online profile and then start reaching out to industry professionals.

[@shilpanarang5395]

Cheeky Scientist Hey thanks for the reply....do you think that it is OK if we are able to approach hr gently through phone call?? I was able to do that at 2-3 places and they gave me directly their own email id instead of one on their website.